Longtime Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Named to Leadership Role at Ford’s Theatre Society in Washington D.C.

Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Emeritus Sheldon Epps has been named senior artistic advisor at the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C., the organization announced this week.

Epps, who helped lead the Pasadena Playhouse from 1997 to 2017, is taking on the position at a time of transition for the theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. He was named for the job Tuesday by  Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault.

“Epps steps into the new role as the theatre reevaluates its 2020-2021 season amid the national reckoning for racial justice and the impacts of COVID-19 on live performances,” the theatre said in a written statement.

Epps said he was looking forward to diving into the position.

“Over the past several years I have developed a richly rewarding connection to Paul and the staff at Ford’s Theatre, which has enhanced my admiration for the theatre’s long history and strong artistic reputation,” he said. “It is very gratifying to be invited to join the artistic staff in this position. This will allow me the very welcome opportunity to build an even stronger Media collaboration with Paul and the company.”

Epps added that he hoped to strengthen an already-historic institution.

“I believe that I can make important contributions as Ford’s Theatre continues its already admirable efforts in the areas of diversity, inclusion and ongoing artistic excellence,” he said. “I am especially happy to be of service at a time when all American theatres are exploring ways to transform today’s challenges into creative opportunities for the future. I look forward to being an integral part of that valuable process.”

Tetreault said the theatre was just as excited to work with Epps.

“I am thrilled to welcome Sheldon Epps to the Ford’s Theatre family,” he said.

“D.C. audiences will know Sheldon from his 2019 production of Twelve Angry Men, when he gave new relevance to this iconic drama and its themes of racism in America,” according to Tetreault. “I have known Sheldon for more than 20 years and been an admirer of his work as a director and producer.”

“Over the last several years, I have relied on his counsel not only for the works he has (and will) direct but also on his programming ideas and direction of the company,” Tetreault said. “Sheldon’s insight, leadership, talent and deep capacity for empathy will be vital to our path forward. As we revisit our 2020- 2021 season, we commit to using our power to tell stories that speak to the present moment with courage, hope, inspiration, joy and healing. We rededicate ourselves to the great work that consumed Lincoln’s life, building a more just and peaceful world, through the power of our creative voices.”

More information on Ford’s Theatre and the Ford’s Theatre Society is available online at fords.org.